New York: Scientists are developing a new light-based technology that could help doctors identify necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially life-threatening intestinal disease that mainly affects premature babies.
Technology uses light to examine the intestine
The technology uses infrared and visible light to examine tissues through the relatively translucent skin of premature infants. Researchers hope it could identify changes in the intestine before the disease becomes more severe.
A first-in-human study involving 96 premature infants found that a handheld broadband optical spectroscopy device could distinguish intestinal tissue affected by NEC from healthy tissue in about two minutes. The procedure was non-invasive and did not expose babies to radiation.
Early detection could save lives
NEC causes inflammation and damage to intestinal tissue and can sometimes lead to a hole in the intestine, serious infection and the need for surgery. Because the disease can develop rapidly, recognising it early is particularly important.
Current diagnosis commonly relies on clinical assessment and imaging, but early signs can be difficult to detect in vulnerable premature infants. The new approach could eventually provide doctors with a quick bedside tool for monitoring intestinal health.
More research is needed
Researchers caution that the technology is still being evaluated and is not yet a routine clinical test. Larger studies involving diverse neonatal intensive care units will be needed to establish how accurately it can detect NEC and whether it can improve outcomes.
If successful, the technology could offer doctors a safer and faster way to monitor one of the most serious complications faced by premature babies.